What to Expect When You're Expecting

Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel's pregnancy guide was originally published in 1984 and now currently in it's fourth edition has consistently topped the New York Times Best Seller list. The book that has advised most of us who have had children since the 80's is now a romantic comedy with an all star cast in that ensemble way of Valentine's Day Or New Year's Eve only slightly better. Directed by Kirk Jones (Everybody's Fine and Nanny McPhee) and written by Shauna Cross and Heather Hach the story follows five couples who live in the Atlanta area as they deal with impending pregnancies.

Topping the cast is Cameron Diaz as Jules a trainer for those weight loss reality shows who while competing herself in a reality dance show gets morning sickness in her first place trophy. The baby daddy is her dance partner Evan (Matthew Morrison). Elizabeth Banks plays Wendy the author and owner of the boutique called The Breast Choice who had been trying to get pregnant with her husband and former weight loss contestant Gary (Ben Falcone). His dad Ramsey Cooper (Dennis Quaid) a former race driver is married to a much younger woman Skylar (Brooklyn Decker) and she just found our she's pregnant with twins. Holly (Jennifer Lopez) a photographer of babies and at the aquarium is married to Alex (Rodrigo Santoro) have decided to adopt after trying for many years. Holly suggests he check out a group of fathers called The Dudes that take their kids to the park each weekend. Played by Chris Rock Rob Huebel, Thomas Lennon and Amire Talai they run the group like the Fight Club where what you talk about in the dudes stays in the dudes. Their hero is Davis (True Blood's Joe Manganiello in all his rippling glory) who reminds them of life as a real man living the good life. A young couple Marco (Chase Crawford) and Rosie (Anna Kendrick) used to date in high school now run their own food trailers meet cute and find themselves in the family way. With each of the little stories we watch as the people experience some version of the fun and foibles of being knocked up. From the mother's side to the father's to be in all it's permutations. The glow, the physical changes, the hormones, and miscarriages.

This movie is definitely for moms and dads to be, and anyone else who have gone through the joys of parenthood. The comedy and situations are broad and predictable. It's over the top at times and only saved by a few very earnest performances. The capable cast serve the volleys of amusing dialogue like pro's especially Chris Rock who is the leader of the dudes. Their version of life as a dad with giving up dreams of their favorite car to getting a minivan instead and the accidents that happen with kids that happen and can't be helped. A nice confection of a film.
(Review by reesa)